Your wedding day is a celebration of love, unity, and the beginning of a lifelong journey, so why not honour it with a wardrobe that mirrors the grandeur and beauty of Bollywood’s most iconic period films? These cinematic masterpieces have set the standard for elegance and opulence, featuring breathtaking designer looks that reflect the heritage and royalty of South Asia. With the right mix of tradition and modern flair, your wedding wardrobe can become an extension of the rich culture and history that surrounds South Asian weddings, ensuring you look and feel regal on your special day. To help you get started, check out our guide to borrow all the inspiration you need. From Bajirao Mastani to Kalank, we have covered Bollywood’s biggest period films featuring the finest, handcrafted royal designer looks.
Regal inspirations from Ranveer Singh’s Bajirao Mastani
Take inspiration from one of Bollywood’s most iconic characters, Bajirao Mastani’s Bajirao, played by Ranveer Singh, whose wardrobe exemplified regal charm with a contemporary twist. His on-screen attire, done by couturier Anju Modi, was nothing short of majestic, a perfect blend of heritage and modern design, creating a look fit for a king.
If you’re aiming for a powerful and timeless wedding look, layering is key. A simple yet elegant kurta can be the foundation of your outfit, topped with a hand-embroidered long jacket made from rich materials like velvet or silk. These luxurious fabrics not only add depth to your ensemble but also exude a sense of royalty that makes a bold statement. The intricate embroidery, when paired with a minimal base, creates a sophisticated yet dynamic aesthetic, ensuring that you remain the centre of attention.
Craftsmanship for the ages as seen in Shahid Kapoor’s Padmaavat
Your wedding wardrobe isn’t just about looking good for one day—it’s about investing in timeless pieces that embody your heritage and can be cherished for years to come. When you choose traditional fits that emphasise intricate craftsmanship, you’re not just wearing clothes—you’re wearing art. A great starting point can be the classic looks worn by Shahid Kapoor in Padmaavat. Created by designers Rimple & Harpreet Narula, the pieces captured the splendour of the royal courts of 14th century India.
Think pieces that highlight rich fabrics, hand embroidery and detailed embellishments to elevate your ensemble to a work of cultural expression. These handcrafted details passed down through generations of artisans, lend a unique touch that off-the-rack designs simply can’t offer. What’s even better is that these versatile pieces can be re-worn for festivals, anniversaries, and other celebrations, allowing you to relive your wedding memories time and time again. Whether it’s a sherwani, bandhgala, or an intricately embroidered kurta, these statement pieces don’t just make you look regal; they carry forward traditions that celebrate craftsmanship and heritage.
Pre-wedding perfection cues from Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar
When it comes to pre-wedding events like sangeets or mehndis, it’s an opportunity to experiment with your style while still maintaining an air of sophistication. Enter the sheer kurta—a subtle, elegant piece that brings a fresh and contemporary twist to traditional menswear. Some gorgeous kurtas were seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s directorial Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, created by Rimple & Harpreet Narula. On a number of occasions, actor Taha Shah Badussha was spotted in a minimal sheer kurta, which left a lasting impression on the audience.
The looks prove that a sheer kurta, made with lightweight fabrics such as organza or chiffon, can enhance your silhouette while keeping things breezy and effortless. Paired with well-fitted trousers or churidars, it creates a chic, streamlined appearance. The beauty of the sheer kurta lies in its simplicity—it’s not over-the-top but still manages to make a statement. The sheer fabric offers just a glimpse of what lies beneath, giving the look a hint of mystery and elegance.
Jewel tones for a lasting impression in Panipat
One of the easiest ways to infuse a sense of royalty into your wedding wardrobe is through your choice of colours. Jewel tones such as gold, silver, and ivory have stood the test of time, continuously favoured by grooms for their understated elegance and regal charm. Some great inspiration comes via Arjun Kapoor’s look in Ashutosh Gowariker’s period film Panipat. From sherwanis to kurtas, his onscreen looks by Neeta Lulla are testimony that jewel colours not only transcend fleeting trends but also evoke a timeless appeal that ensures your look will be remembered for years to come.
Imagine a gold sherwani or an ivory bandhgala glinting under the soft glow of wedding lights—these hues reflect light beautifully, creating a luminous, almost ethereal aura around you. Their subtle yet striking nature ensures that you stand out without stealing focus from your bride. Jewel tones carry with them a sense of grandeur and opulence, reminiscent of the wardrobes of royal dynasties.
Princely state like Hrithik Roshan’s character in Jodhaa Akbar
Another Ashutosh Gowariker masterpiece, Jodhaa Akbar proves there’s no going wrong with looking back when it comes to a groom’s wedding wardrobe. In the title role as Emperor, Jalaluddin, Hrithik Roshan showcased the allure of Mughal designs and craftsmanship techniques. From angarkhas to kurtas worn by the actor, the costumes designed by veteran designer Neeta Lulla showcased crafts like zardozi, gota, kasab and resham embroidery.
For the groom who truly wants to embody the spirit of royalty, look no further than the collections of India’s most esteemed designers, such as Anamika Khanna and Tarun Tahiliani. These designers are known for their ability to blend the ancient art of embroidery with contemporary fashion, creating pieces that feel like they belong in a royal palace. Their garments, inspired by the age-old techniques of handcraft and embellishment, are meticulously detailed, drawing inspiration from South Asia’s rich cultural heritage. Every piece tells a story—one of craftsmanship, artistry, and tradition passed down through the centuries. The result is a collection of garments that feel both timeless and modern, offering grooms the chance to step into a regal persona that is as relevant today as it was in the past.
Tradition with a modern twist like Kalank
While tradition certainly holds its place in wedding attire, many modern grooms are looking to push the boundaries and make a statement with a more contemporary edge. If you’re one of them, consider infusing your wedding wardrobe with bold choices that redefine the conventional, as seen in Varun Dhawan’s character Zafar in Kalank. The Dharma Productions’ period film was a treat for the eyes, thanks to the outfits designed by Manish Malhotra. A design that stood out in the movie was the oversized kurta—a classic silhouette that offers a fresh take on traditional menswear.
This relaxed yet elegant style allows you to experiment with proportions, creating a unique and dynamic look that stands out from the crowd. And if you really want to step away from the ordinary, break free from the typical greens and golds and opt for unconventional shades like crisp whites or deep blacks. These colours not only offer a clean, modern aesthetic but also symbolise a departure from tradition in favour of something more personal and individual.
Your wedding is not just about the ceremony; it’s about showcasing your style, personality, and the rich cultural heritage that surrounds you. Whether you choose traditional hues or contemporary silhouettes, each piece will tell a story of love, legacy, and the beginning of a beautiful journey.
